Top Book Picks for 2026 from a Literary Editor

**Family Drama by Rebecca Fallon** explores the dual identities of Susan Bliss, a woman living as a mother of twins in New England and a soap star in LA. After Susan's death, her husband conceals her fame from their children, leading them on separate journeys to understand their mother.

**May We Feed The King by Rebecca Perry** captivates with its original narrative about a curator tasked with creating scenes in a former palace, revealing layers of history through the king’s perspective.

**The Shock Of The Light by Lori Inglis Hall**, set during the Second World War, delves deep into the lives of twins Tessa and Theo. Their lives diverge dramatically as conflict drives them apart, culminating in an emotionally charged conclusion.

**Nonesuch by Francis Spufford** offers a unique twist on the war genre, blending fantasy and reality while emphasizing human emotion.

**A Far-flung Life by ML Stedman** presents a compelling tale of familial loyalty and personal redemption, featuring prose that invites readers to reflect slowly on its impactful themes.

**California Gold by Jodie Chapman** tells the story of Chrissy and Frank, exploring their love and aspirations against the backdrop of 1970s California. Their dreams of a perfect home take a tragic turn that impacts their family dynamics.

**Upward Bound by Woody Brown** provides an insightful look at a daycare center for autistic adults through interconnected short stories that highlight the experiences of those involved.

**The Wreck by Lizzy Stewart** is a graphic novel examining the complexities of class, friendship, and marriage as a seemingly idyllic community faces underlying tensions.

**The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett**, set in 1930s Mississippi, follows 11-year-old Meg at an orphanage. The narrative focuses on her friendship with a woman seeking help from her wealthy sister.

**People In Love by Claire Daverley** explores the turmoil surrounding Nora when her estranged friend unexpectedly reappears at her engagement party, stirring feelings of resentment and unresolved issues.

**Whistler by Ann Patchett** tackles father-daughter relationships as Daphne reconnects with her stepfather, prompting her to confront childhood questions.

**The Children by Melissa Albert** offers a dark literary fantasy about the children of a famous author, navigating two disparate childhoods under neglect and magic.

**Contrapposto by Dave Eggers** follows Robert 'Cricket' Dibb, an artist growing up in a troubled home, highlighting themes of friendship and self-discovery.

**Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves** features Death as the narrator, chronicling his relationship with a woman and her child as he grapples with his role.

**The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout** introspects on a well-liked high-school teacher's hidden despair, spurred by a shocking revelation.

**Where Are The Kings? by Donal Ryan** portrays 12-year-old Jack grappling with grief and his place in a chaotic family environment after his mother's passing.

**Under Story by Chloe Benjamin** follows Laurel Salter in Antarctica as she confronts her past and explores the concept of a duoverse linked to grief and healing.

**Switzy by Emma Cline** delves into the final days of a businessman reflecting on life choices before his planned end.

**Partita by Barbara Kingsolver** returns to familiar Appalachian settings, focusing on Livia Cable's journey through personal loss and the importance of perseverance through art. Each book presents a unique narrative that speaks to various human experiences, making them worth exploring this year.